How Desmond Elliot Delivered On Promise of Quick Action On Finbarrs Road Project?

Has Hon Desmond Elliot delivered on his promise to ensure prompt action on the St Finbarrs Road rehabilitation work, in the Bariga area of Lagos?

This has been the question on many lips following what seemed to a return to work on the project.

The Eagle reports that the Committee on Works of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Desmond Elliot, had conducted an inspection in the Akoka Community on November 28, 2023, raising the hopes of residents and users of the strategic road.

The purpose of this visit was to gain firsthand knowledge of the road’s condition as to know the best approach to repairing it.

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During the inspection, Hon. Desmond Elliot, along with a 5-man delegation and the contractor, emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring the completion of the abandoned project.

The St. Finbarrs Road rehabilitation, lingering in a state of neglect for approximately three years in the Akoka Community Development Area, has inflicted hardship on the residents, limiting accessibility to only a part of the road.

However, the assembly man revealed that the Lagos State Government had disbursed 69% of the project’s total cost to the contractor, a sum deemed sufficient for completing up to 90% of the project. Expressing dissatisfaction, he clarified that delays were attributed to the contractor’s failure to fulfill responsibilities, causing distress among the residents.

Despite the contractor’s denial of receiving 69%, Hon. Elliot stood firm, highlighting the impending completion tasks such as streetlight installation and finishing touches.

Addressing the concerns raised by residents and shop owners, Hon. Elliot acknowledged the adverse impact on business activities due to the deteriorating road condition. He assured swift intervention, promising discussions in the House of Assembly and a prompt resumption of work.

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Hon. Elliot apologised for the hardships faced by residents and businesses, assuring them that the Lagos State Government remains committed to fulfilling its promises for a better quality of life. He advised the contractor to improve road accessibility temporarily through palliatives while resolving the issues with the government.

Additionally, Hon. Elliot reaffirmed the contractor’s upcoming appearance before the Assembly to address the project concerns.

Speaking on the abandoned road rehabilitation, the member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Shomolu 11, Hon. Samuel Apata, assured the community that the issue of the abandoned road would be resolved within a few months. This statement reinforces the collective dedication of the Assembly to addressing the concerns of the Akoka community.

Former Chairman Mr. Segun Adesanya emphasized that, should no action be taken before the end of December, a protest would be staged at the House of Assembly. The committee urges prompt attention to ensure the timely completion of the St. Finbarrs Road project for the benefit of Akoka residents.

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A resident of the area, told our correspondent in confidence that as much as they appreciate Hon Desmond Elliot’s intervention, that the job should not be handled anyhow.

He expressed the sentiments of many other people in the area, about the project, either not being abandoned again, or a thorough job not being done there.

Our correspondent had undertaken to keep observing developments on the project with the promise of providing reportorial update to Lagosians,